Decision support and work management for synchronizing learning services

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are decision support and resource synchronization tools and platforms and related methods for synchronizing learning services in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. In particular, disclosed is a decision support tool that enables learning solutions to be responsive to an organization&#39;s business timelines, goals and strategic objectives so as to enable an organization to have its learning needs managed effectively in a manner similar to the management of a traditional business. Also disclosed is a synchronization platform for a learning solution network that uses electronic tools and information sharing capabilities to efficiently track and report various performance metrics to ensure that ongoing learning efforts are aligned with the business strategies and learning objectives as measured by quantifiable performance metrics.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Serial No. 60/391,932, filed Jun. 28, 2002, from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/391,929, also filed Jun.28, 2002, from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.60/398,715, filed Jul. 29, 2002, and from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/398,926, also filed Jul. 29, 2002.Furthermore, the present application is related in subject matter toU.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/265,156, filed Oct.7, 2002, and to U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No.10/401,045, filed Mar. 28, 2003, the specifications of both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to decision support, workmanagement and resource synchronization tools and platforms and relatedmethods for synchronizing resource usage by learning services in amanner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. In particular, thepresent invention relates to tools, platforms and process that enablelearning solutions to be responsive to an organization's businesstimelines, goals, strategic objectives, and resource constraints so asto enable an organization to have its learning needs managed effectivelyin a manner similar to the management of a traditional business.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Employee training and education are becoming increasingly morecritical to the success of organizations within today's modern globaleconomy. As a minimum requirement to remaining competitive, companiesthat operate in today's complex industries need employees who remainknowledgeable and current in areas of expertise that serve thecompanies' ever-evolving strategic objectives. Executives of suchcompanies feel this need for improved learning solutions as it isbrought to the forefront of their strategic objectives by variousbusiness imperatives of the competitive market. Improved learningsolutions require decision support capabilities that enable executivesto identify learning needs, introduce learning efforts to serve thoseneeds, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented learning efforts allwhile synchronizing associated resource usage and work expenditures.

[0004] For example, one such business imperative felt by the executivesof many companies is need to accelerate their “clock speed” whenintroducing new or repositioning existing product offerings. Adifficulty faced by learning systems in supporting this rapid change inbusiness positioning is that many different individuals in a givencompany perform many different functions and therefore require differenttypes of training to implement a single change in business position. Thelonger training takes, the more the implementation of strategic businessobjectives is delayed. Information about resource availability, changes,and implementation progress are needed on a real-time basis.

[0005] Likewise, learning capabilities of a company must be able tosupport organization growth and expansion that requires the company torapidly attract, train, and/or deploy a skilled workforce. Thus,improved learning capabilities are needed that accelerate the trainingspeed and speed to competency of an entire workforce. These improvedlearning capabilities can best be implemented with tools that helpidentify optimal delivery mechanisms and measure the effectiveness ofthe various aspects of an organization-wide learning solution.

[0006] Furthermore, corporate mergers and reorganizations oftennecessitate massive post-merger/reorganization integration efforts bythe surviving companies. This not only requires reconciling pre-existingbusiness goals and strategies, but also integrating and upgradingeducational and training efforts within the surviving corporateentities. Improved learning solutions that include adequate decisionsupport capabilities help to deal with such occurrences by being able toeasily modify existing training efforts to match the changing businessenvironment.

[0007] Finally, as companies are always looking across theirorganization to identify ways to manage costs, it is beneficial to havelearning solutions that can allocate learning and training costsaccurately across different business units and ventures so as tofacilitate cost management. Even more beneficial are learning solutionsthat can be used to generate strategic cost reductions or even spur orgenerate profits. Such cost tracking and allocation capabilities areparticularly necessary as organizations become larger in scale and morediverse in scope. With adequate decision support capabilities, it ispossible that a learning solution can be leveraged outside theorganization for revenue growth and cost savings opportunities. Someexamples of this include leveraging corporate knowledge in a new way tocreate a new source of revenue, using training to align value chainpartners, or reducing support costs by placing information with thecustomer.

[0008] Improved learning solutions that overcome the above-described andother problems associated with current learning solutions requireeffective decision support capabilities for synchronizing availablelearning services components across a series of multi-disciplinaryfunctions. Improved learning solutions preferably utilize a customizableblend of computerized on-line instructional systems and instructor basedservices. To be effective, the aforementioned learning solutions requirethe ability to respond quickly and efficiently to logistical andresource concerns. Optimization of limited resources is required forpeak efficiency of improved learning solutions. Decision support toolsare needed to make optimization possible by synchronizing the demand andallocation of limited resources.

[0009] The ability to provide current training across a variety oftopics and over a variety of platforms can only be effective if nearreal-time logistical information is available to decision makers.Improved learning solutions must include tools to enhance the systemresponse time over previous learning solutions in responding toinstructor, student, and/or resource constraint issues.

[0010] Furthermore, decision support capabilities are needed that ensurethat ongoing learning efforts are aligned with the business strategiesand budget priorities as measured by quantifiable performance metrics.Decision support capabilities to enable improved learning solutions musteffectively collect and present to decision makers key indicators uponwhich to base their decisions. To enable decision makers to make themost effective decisions, this information must be available inreal-time and uniformly accessible to separate business units.

[0011] Thus, business organizations are increasingly beginning torecognize the need for improved training organizations that areresponsive to the foregoing business imperatives but which still deliverresults that stay aligned with evolving business strategies. Educationwithin modern companies, however, remains problematic for variousreasons. One major complicating factor is the nature of many moderncorporations. Often, they are diverse entities that operate globallyacross international boundaries and in different competitive markets andbusiness areas. Organizations or groups within such modern companiesthat are charged with learning course or content development andmanagement of learning services are often poorly equipped (either interms of personnel allocation, organization of the learning assets,infrastructure, or otherwise) to serve all the learning needs of thosecompanies. As such, learning service organizations or groups are oftenplagued with outdated course content and/or inefficient managementservices that fail to utilize current technologies to dynamicallydevelop and deliver meaningful courses and related necessary coursematerials.

[0012] Another disadvantage of contemporary learning solutions is thatthey fail to provide the ability for executives to monitor performanceof learning solution efforts in achieving their underlying purpose offurthering business strategies. It would be helpful if executives hadaccess to various performance or success metrics that measure theperformance of a given learning solution similar in manner to howperformance is measured in traditional performance driven areas of theircore business. Useful metrics relating to a learning solution couldinclude, for example, learning-output metrics such as ratios and talliesrelating to course hours produced or student days delivered, andstrategic-output metrics which attempt to quantify impacts of trainingupon functional productivity (e.g., product units sold following theimplementation of a specific sales force training effort). The inabilityto accurately monitor performance metrics leaves organizations and theirlearning services with an inability to ensure service quality, allow foraccurate resource forecasts, allocate costs and provide a means tomeasure the learning solution's success helping the organizations meetgoals and commitments. This aspect makes it difficult for executives andlearning administrators to make certain that ongoing and future learningefforts are continuously aligned with business strategies, prioritiesand goals.

[0013] The identification and prioritization of learning needs, theselection of learning approaches, the development of learning content,the delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management andadministration learning efforts and content require learning solutionsthat are responsive to business strategies and imperatives, and scalableto manage numerous logistical factors that inherently accompany theoutsourcing of learning services for a large enterprise. Contemporarylearning solutions employed in the business world are not equipped withdecision support capabilities to integrate the many complicatedprocesses and systems that must be implemented to ensure that a givencompany's learning efforts meet their learning needs as dictated byprioritized business strategies.

[0014] A significant challenge for such a global organization is toalign business and learning objectives and then execute timelydevelopment and delivery of course material. Effective execution of anorganization's overall learning effort requires synchronization ofinformation and corporate strategy across a series of multi-disciplinaryfunctions. Thus, there remains a need in the art for an improveddecision support tool and related methods that enables effectiveimplementation of a complex learning solution and overcomes theabove-described and other problems associated with currentimplementations of learning solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In light of the above-described and other deficiencies inherentin contemporary learning solutions, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide decision support, work management and resourcesynchronization tools and platforms and related methods that enable anorganization's leaning development and delivery processes to be executedin a manner consistent with the organization's business and learningobjectives. Such tools, platforms and related methods are capable ofdramatically improving an organization's efficiency by capturing,integrating and reporting essential performance indicators across thefunctional modules of the learning solution.

[0016] Concurrently, it is an object of the present invention to providea decision support, work management and resource synchronization toolsand platforms and related methods that enable a learning solution to bedriven by business strategies and priorities in all aspects of any givenlearning effort implemented by the learning solution. Such aspects of alearning effort include the design, development and management oflearning content, the coordination and delivery of learning content andinstruction, and the administration of learning solution performance.

[0017] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to providetools, platforms and related methods that enable a learning solution toefficiently manage ongoing and in-development learning efforts byproviding access to up-to-date and accurate information relevant tocontent design, development, management, delivery, and administration.Such tools, platforms and methods enable learning resource allocationsto be reviewed and modified easily by learning solution administrators,learning effort and/or course administrators, or instructors in responseto changing business strategies and priorities.

[0018] Further, it is also an object of the present invention to providetools, platforms, and related methods that enable a learning solution toallocate learning costs and bill appropriate business units or projectsfor learning effort expenditures such that the solution can beimplemented by a business partner or sub-unit organization operatingindependently like a separate business entity from the organizationrequesting/needing the learning services. Thus, learning services needsof an organization can either be outsourced to a separate businessentity or still managed internally by the learner organization, butindependently as a separate business unit with the same built-inimperatives to reduce costs and drive profit centers as those businessunits and/or external organizations that will ultimately pay for thelearning services.

[0019] Also, it is an object of the present invention to providedecision support and resource synchronization tools, platforms andrelated methods that enable a learning solution to be embodied in anetwork of learning systems in compliance with relevant e-learningstandards. Such tools, platforms and methods will keep information ofapplicable media formats (e.g., Web-based, instructor-led, or virtualinstructor-led) for learning courses and identify available systemresources to support delivery. In this manner, the learning systems maybe made accessible over any computer network, including the Internet,through an open architecture that enables a business to integrate suchlearning solution systems with its existing network's applications andinfrastructure.

[0020] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to providetools, platforms and related methods that-facilitate the monitoring,organization, and reporting of learning solution performance metrics,thus enabling efficient coordination of learning efforts with businessstrategies and priorities.

[0021] To achieve these and other objects, the present inventioncomprises in one embodiment a decision support tool and related methodsthat enable the assembly, storage, review and usage of essentialperformance indicator data and provide real-time updates to allowlearning administrators to effectively manage resource allocation andwork flow within a learning solution in a manner that is highlyresponsive to dynamic business needs of an associated learnerorganization. Among other things, the decision support tool captures,integrates and reports performance indicators across a learningorganization's functional units (e.g., business strategy alignment,content development, delivery of content and instruction, and learningsolution administration). Performance indicators consist of accumulateddata to support the following business processes: forecasting,budgeting, performance planning, performance reporting, accountmanagement, production management, media configuration, resourceallocation, delivery coordination, status management and needs analysis.More specifically, performance indicators may include, for example,measurements of the output of a learning solution (e.g., instructionalcourse-hours developed or delivered, hours or resources expended indevelopment, and combinations thereof), measurements of performancelevel of learning efforts provided by the learning solution (e.g.,student satisfaction, test and/or certification results), andmeasurements of the business impact of learning efforts (e.g.,improvements in employee productivity following training). Thisinformation can then be used to ensure processes within each functionalunit remain consistent with the organization's strategic goals. Also,the information can be used to report on and manage service levelagreements for outsourced learning services. The decision support toolthereby allows implementation of a learning solution that is responsiveto an organization's business timelines, budgets, goals and strategicobjectives and thereby enables the organization to have its learningneeds managed effectively in a manner similar to the management of atraditional client servicing business.

[0022] A decision support tool according to embodiments of the presentinvention serves as an instrument to integrate basic modules of alearning solution's interrelated and interdependent business processes.The interaction of the various modules of business processes with oneanother helps to define the services, performance metrics andapplication capabilities, among other things, required to support anoptimized outsourced solution to meet a given organization's businesslearning objectives.

[0023] Embodiments of a decision support tool according to the presentinvention may be employed to support a business centric learningsolution by helping to integrate various modules of such a solution,including a business strategy alignment module, content managementmodule, and delivery module. Preferably, a learning administrationmodule may also be included in such learning solutions and, accordingly,integrated via the decision support tool. In general, such a businessstrategy alignment module embodies business processes adapted to acceptbusiness strategy input from the learner organization, prioritizelearning requests/needs, and assist in developing and deliveringappropriate learning efforts by communicating relevant information toprocesses in the various other modules of the learning solution. Acontent management module embodies business processes adapted to developinternally, or alternatively license from external sources, the learningcontent and instructional materials necessary to implement the learningefforts identified by the business strategy alignment module, and alsocatalogue learning content appropriately such that it can be reused infuture learning efforts. A delivery module typically embodies businessprocesses adapted to implement the business processes used in thelearning solutions for coordinating the delivery of high qualitytraining across a plurality of media in a cost efficient manner,including the scheduling of training facilities and other resources.Additionally, a learning administration module embodies businessprocesses for facilitating centralized learning management andadministrative services across the entire learning solution such ascurriculum management, course registration, course fulfillment support,and record keeping of training results.

[0024] For example, a decision support tool and related methodsaccording to the present invention may be used to prioritize learningrequests relating to content development training delivery, etc., whenlimited resources preclude the completion of all requested trainingwithin an organization. Embodiments of the present invention can alsoprovide performance indicator data that decision makers can use toidentify learning needs, select learning approaches, develop learningcontent, coordinate and deliver learning instruction, and manage andadminister learning efforts. Preferably, such performance indicator datais assembled and compiled automatically by the decision support tool andmade available to administrators of a learning solution to create usefulcost, resource usage, and learning effort success/failure reports.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, alearning resources synchronization and allocation platform is providedthat may be utilized within a network of other learning functionplatforms that together provide the electronic tools and informationsharing capabilities needed to efficiently implement and manage learningefforts according to the business desires of a complex learnerorganization. The other learning function platforms interface with theresource synchronization platform to allow it to obtain data fromlearning management systems, learning content and course developers andelectronic curricula databases, and electronic delivery systems andthereby facilitate the coordination and synchronization of learningcontent development, delivery and management. In this manner, a learningsolution employing such a synchronized learning network may enjoyimproved response time to instructor, student, and/or resource concernsand issues. Such synchronized learning solution networks, in addition toa resources synchronization platform, may typically utilize a contentdevelopment platform, an electronic delivery platform, and a learningadministration platform, all of which communicating electronically withone another and with the resources synchronization platform.

[0026] Where an organization's learning solution includes the use of anindependent business entity according to a service level agreement, thedecision support tool and resource synchronization platforms of thepresent invention provide reports on the key metrics defined in theagreement. A service level agreement is a contract between the learningsolution services provider and the licensing (i.e., outsourcing)organization that establishes the requisite quality and effectivenesslevels of the learning solution services as measured by one or morepre-selected performance metrics. As with internally managed training,suitable metrics for a service level agreement can relate tomeasurements of the output of a learning solution (e.g., instructionalcourse-hours developed or delivered), measurements of performance levelof learning efforts provided by the learning solution (e.g., studentsatisfaction, test and/or certification results), and measurements ofthe business impact of learning efforts (e.g., improvements in employeeproductivity following training). The terms of a service level agreementmay require (as compared with the levels measured before theimplementation of a given learning effort), for example, minimumlearning-output metrics values relating to increases in hours ofelectronic instuction materials made available, minimumlearning-performance metrics relating to employee certifications andminimum learning-impact metric increases regarding gross sales generatedby each trained salesperson. Certain types of metrics may includeinternal metrics gauging service levels associated with theeffectiveness with which an outsourced learning services provider isoffering services and managing resources. The decision support tool andresource synchronization platform track and compile pre-selectedperformance metrics and provide data sorting and reporting processes toallow the generations of regular resource usage and learning managementreports. Such reporting features may be used by an outsourcingorganization on a continuous basis to facilitate cost allocation amongappropriate business units or to specific learning efforts(equivalently, “training efforts”) for use within the learning solution,and to gauge the level of effectiveness of particular learning effortsin helping the organization reach desired business objectives. In thismanner the development, management and delivery of future learningefforts can be continuously improved.

[0027] In one particular embodiment of the invention, a synchronizedlearning solution network adapted to facilitate information sharingwithin a learning services providing entity is provided. Thesynchronized learning solution network comprises a content developmentplatform that contains electronic tools for receiving input relating tothe compiling of instructional materials and generating electroniclearning content, an electronic delivery platform that containselectronic tools for delivering instruction to students, a learningadministration platform that contains electronic tools for storing saidelectronic learning content, storing registrar information regardingsaid students and said instruction, and storing catalog informationregarding said learning content; and a resources synchronizationplatform. The resources synchronization platform includes a resourcessynchronization tool adapted to obtain and store data regardingcompilation and generation functions as performed by the contentdevelopment platform, data regarding delivery functions as performed bythe delivery platform, and the registrar and catalog information fromthe learning administration platform. The resources synchronization toolprovides an interface for accessing and processing stored compilationdata, generation data, delivery data, registrar information and cataloginformation upon request by learning administrators, and the tool allowsprocessing of the accessible data and information into resourceutilization reports on demand such that said reports may be utilized tomake resource allocation decisions across said learning servicesproviding entity.

[0028] In another particular embodiment of the invention, a decisionsupport and work management tool adapted to synchronize aspects of alearning solution is provided. The tool includes electroniccommunication connections to various tools and platforms utilized by thelearning solution to support content development, instruction delivery,and learning solution administration functions. The communicationconnections are adapted to receive performance metrics data collectedfrom various aspects of said learning solution and store them indatabases adapted to store said performance metrics data as it isreceived. The tool also includes a resource allocation interface adaptedto provide learning administrators with access to the stored performancemetrics data, with the interface providing functionality to compile theperformance metrics data into sortable learning solution resourcescheduling and usage reports. The resource allocation interface alsoprovides functionality for learning administrators to make or modifyschedules and resource allocations for learning content delivery anddevelopment, and the scheduling and usage reports assist learningadministrators in making centralized and informed decisions regardingsaid schedules and resource allocations.

[0029] The invention having been thus summarized, preferred embodimentsthereof will now be described in detail with reference to severalfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting the interaction of thebasic modules of a learning solution for which decision support andresource management according to embodiments of the present inventionmay be applied.

[0031]FIG. 2 is schematic diagram depicting decision support tool as itmay be utilized in a learning solution environment to provide asynchronized transformational learning system.

[0032]FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram demonstrating some of the variousdecisions and resource allocation issues that must be addressed in themanagement of a learning solution of the type depicted in FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram depicting a decision support toolaccording to embodiments of the present invention as it interacts withvarious business process and management modules to assist in learningresource allocation and other synchronization decision making issuesthat may be presented by a learning solution.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a network of learningplatforms that communicate to provide coordination and synchronizationof learning content development, delivery and management so as toenhance the learning solution's response time to instructor, student,and/or resource concerns and issues.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] As used hereafter, the term “organization” is used broadly toidentify the business entity that is in need of a solution that provideslearning services. The learning solutions according to the presentinvention can either be outsourced by such organizations (whereby theprocesses of the learning solution are implemented by a third partylearning services provider under contract to a “learner” organization)or can be implemented internally within the organization (as, forexample, an independent business unit within the “outsourcing”organization). In embodiments of the invention wherein a learningservices business unit within an organization provides learning servicesto other business units within the organization, the learning servicesbusiness unit would still feel the need to satisfy customers as it wouldbe responsible for generating a “profit” by meeting predefinedperformance metrics set by “client” business units (i.e., the other moretraditional business units of the organization) and allocating learningeffort charges as expenses to the client business units as appropriate.In this manner, the learning solutions according to the presentinvention can be characterized as “outsourceable” by an organization.

[0036] An example of one specific type of learning solution 100 forwhich embodiments of the invention may be advantageously employed isconceptually depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1. Solution 100comprises modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes,which may be automated by electronic tools provided by variouscommunication platforms as will be described in more detail below, thatmanage and coordinate the learning solution tasks of the prioritizationof business learning needs and selection of learning effort approaches,the design, development and management of learning content, thecoordination and delivery of learning content and instruction, and theadministration of learning solution performance. The interaction of thevarious modules of business processes with one another helps to definethe services, performance metrics and application capabilities, amongother things, required to support an optimized outsourceable learningsolution to meet a given organization's business learning objectives.

[0037] As depicted by the example of FIG. 1, business strategy alignmentmodule 110 comprises processes that identify business strategies of theorganization and accept requests for learning efforts (e.g., employeetraining in a particular product line) from the organization (and/or itsbusiness units). It then aligns the organization's overall learningsolution goals and the objectives of requested learning efforts with theorganization's current strategy, business objectives and organizationalstructure. The processes comprising the business strategy alignmentmodule thereafter identify potential learning efforts to meet theobjectives of the organization, and support the downstream developmentand delivery of a tailored learning curriculum by providing relevantinformation to processes in the various other modules (120, 130 and 140)of solution 100. This alignment ensures that learning curricula isdesigned to meet the organization's most current needs. Co-owned andco-pending U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/265,156,filed Oct. 7, 2002, provides a detailed description regarding theoperation of one preferred type of learning solution as depicted in FIG.1 including the operation of one preferred type of business strategyalignment module.

[0038] Once solution 100′ identifies what types of learning orcurriculum are desired and/or required by the organization andprioritizes them, the solution is also able to deliver suitable learningmaterials to fill those needs. Content management module 120 includesprocesses and associated tools required to build and/or buy appropriatelearning content based upon learning objectives and deliveryrequirements. On one hand, it may be easier and cheaper to buyprecompiled learning content from a third party as opposed to developingor compiling new content. Alternatively, the specialized needs of theorganization may make it difficult to utilize outsourced or precompiledlearning or training content. Content management module 120 facilitatessolution 100 taking factors such as these appropriately intoconsideration when assembling suitable learning content. Certainversions of learning solutions 100 may have content management modules120 which include course content development modules specificallyadapted to design and develop course materials on behalf of the contentmanagement module by identifying and the most suitable mechanisms forefficiently (in terms of both budget compliance and learning impact)obtaining and delivering course content to students, and assemblingcourse materials accordingly.

[0039] After learning content has either been obtained from a thirdparty or developed internally by the learning solution, the businessprocesses of content management module 120 also create, manage andoperate a central repository of learning content and knowledge objects.The learning content and knowledge objects are appropriately formatted,tagged and cataloged such that they can be reused as appropriate and maybe easily accessed for delivery to the learner in the desired mannerwhen scheduled or requested. Co-owned and co-pending U.S.Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/401,045, filed Mar. 28,2003, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference,provides a detailed description regarding the operation of one preferredtype of learning solution as depicted in FIG. 1 including the operationof preferred content management and content development modules.

[0040] Delivery module 130 in turn contains business processes andrelated tools for providing the delivery of high quality training acrossa plurality of synchronous and asynchronous media in a cost efficientmanner. The delivery business processes in module 130 facilitate, forexample, instructor led training, virtual instructor led training (suchas with a live instructor connected to students throughvideoconferencing or over a computer network like the Internet)including virtual classrooms, and interactive computersoftware-delivered training systems for self-paced learning. Further,the delivery business processes in module. 130 manage coordinating thescheduling of the facilities where training takes place with appropriateinstructor and learner schedule commitments.

[0041] Still referring to FIG. 1, learning administration module 140contains business processes and associated tools necessary to providelearning management and administrative services across the entirelearning solution 100. Exemplary learning administration businessprocesses include individual curriculum management, course registration,course fulfillment management, and record keeping of training results.Learning administration module 140 also can provide the learningsolution 100 with the capability to manage the overall lifecycle of alearning initiative and to monitor appropriate metrics related to theoutputs and performance of a learning solution, or elements thereof, soas to provide continuous improvement to currently ongoing and futurelearning initiatives.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the operation ofvarious learning solutions, including learning solutions of the type ofsolution. 100 of FIG. 1. The features and advantages of the variousembodiments of the invention will be further understood from thediscussion of FIGS. 2-4 that follows.

[0043] A particular implementation of the transformational learningoutsourcing solution 100 as improved by incorporating aspects of thepresent invention is conceptually depicted in the block diagram of FIG.2. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a synchronized learning solution 200having various modules strategically linked together via a decisionsupport tool 250 according to one embodiment of the present invention.Solution 200 comprises a business strategy alignment module 210, acontent management and development module 220, a delivery module 230, alearning administration module 240, a decision support tool 250, acontent library database 260, and a summary reporting database 270. Theinteraction of the decision support tool 250 with the business strategyalignment module 210, the content management and development module 220,the delivery module 230, and the learning administration module 240defines the content and development of the various courses as well asthe performance metrics by which the effectiveness of the overall systemmay be monitored and measured.

[0044] In operation, the business strategy alignment module 210 receivesbusiness learning strategies and objectives from the licensingenterprise, which hopes to align its learning objectives with itsbusiness strategies. The business strategy alignment module 210, withthe decision support tool 250, sends the licensing enterprises'objectives to the content management and development module 220 and thedelivery module 230, which collectively use the information to developand deliver a course curriculum that is designed to be aligned with thelicensing enterprise's objectives.

[0045] Once a series of courses has been designed, developed, anddelivered, the learning administration module 240 executes the functionsresponsible for administering the various courses. These functionsinclude, but are not limited to, providing documentation to instructors,enrolling students, creating student profiles, notifying students ofscheduling confirmations, grouping learning courses into logicalcategories, assigning course numbers, sending students requiredpre-course information, assigning resources to specific courses,modifying resources for specific courses, processing grade andattendance information, processing on-line evaluation forms, andupdating student transcripts. For example, the learning administrationmodule 240 can provide updates of student attendance information basedon the attendance statistics it may receive from an instructor. Thisinformation is then stored in the summary reporting database 270, wherethe decision support tool 250 is able to access it upon request.

[0046] While the content management and development module 220 ismaintaining course curricula, the delivery module 230 is coordinatingthe delivery of course information to students, and the learningadministration module 240 is overseeing the overall operation of thelearning solution, proprietary learning content, electronicallydeliverable materials, and various statistical metrics are created bythe various applications. The content information and electronicallydeliverable materials are stored in the content library database 260 forlater publishing and/or usage by a learning course. Likewise, metricsinformation is stored in a raw metrics database 280.

[0047] The decision support tool 250 operates as a bridge betweenvarious modules of the solution 100 because it receives requests forlearning information from operators, managers, and content developers,associated with the learning solution and who are engaged in businessstrategy alignment, content management, delivery, and/or learningadministration activities, and initiates processing of these requests byretrieving the requested data from the various databases 260-290. Afterretrieving the requested information, the decision support tool 250allows learning administrators to perform any required analyses and/orcalculations on the information in order to facilitate efficientoperation of the learning solution. For example, metrics data can beused to facilitate scheduling of learning resources (instructor time,classroom usage, etc.). These scheduling decisions can be reflected inthe resource scheduling database 290. Raw metrics data can likewise beprocesses into reports of summary statistics covering various timeperiods and courses and then stored in a summary reporting database 270.In this manner, metrics data can be analyzed and compiled into reportsregarding the usage of learning resources over a time period ofinterest. The decision support tool thereby allows any administrator,requesting application or other electronic tool to retrieve data thatfacilitates operation of a learning solution presented to the user in alogical, intuitive and valuable manner.

[0048] The decision support tool 250 is used by learning administrators,directors and management to compile, track, report and utilizeperformance metrics to assist in ensuring that learning efforts providedby the solution coincide with business strategies and priorities in allaspects of learning including the identification and prioritization ofbusiness learning needs and selection of learning effort approaches, thedesign, development and management of learning content, the coordinationand delivery of learning content and instruction, and the administrationof learning solution performance. Such performance metrics approximatethe objective indicia that are typically used to gauge success intraditional business units such that the performance of specificlearning efforts or the learning solution as a whole can be measured ina manner similar to how the organization measures performance in moretraditional performance-driven areas of their core business. Variousperformance metrics can be collected, tracked compiled, and reportedautomatically-by information gathering and sorting tools, such as isdescribed below with respect to FIG. 5.

[0049] Performance metrics can include learning-output metrics, learningperformance metrics, and learning-impact metrics. Learning-outputmetrics focus upon easily quantifiable objective measures of the amountand delivery success of learning services or products provided by aspecific learning effort or by the learning solution (or parts thereof).For further illustration by way of examples, learning output metrics caninclude the amount of self-paced computer-delivered course hoursdeveloped internally for a given learning effort by the contentmanagement module (including high-fidelity content, low fidelitycontent, and total content), the number of employees who attend a givenILT course, the number of instructor course-hours provided by the entiresolution, the number of student hours of instruction delivered by thesolution to employees of the organization, and the number of new coursesoffered in a given time frame. Learning-output metrics therefore focusupon output levels, and not directly on the quality, of the learningsolution and the learning efforts the solution oversees and provides.

[0050] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a particularperformance metric termed a development ratio can be monitored whereinestimates of the costs and resources needed to develop a particularcourse (or portions or elements thereof) are made and compared with theactual costs incurred and resources used. Various sub-ratios reflectingeffort and time expenditures measured at various phase gates (such asnightly or weekly) thereby allow content developers to better forecastfuture development costs based by consistently revising predictions ofexpected production and consumption rates. This particularlearning-output performance metric can be utilized as an internalperformance metric that is used to measure the accuracy of previous costestimates. Specifically, the learning solution evaluates the developmentratio to determine whether future cost estimates should be increased ordecreased from previous estimates, increasing the accuracy of futurecosts forecasting and allowing for the fixed billing of developmentcosts. In this manner, long term learning services outsourcing contractscan be simplified through the use of fixed cost schedules.

[0051] Learning-performance metrics and learning-impact metrics,however, both attempt to capture and reflect the quality of the learningsolution and individual learning efforts. Specifically,learning-performance metrics provide subjective and objective feedbackregarding how effective a learning effort was in teaching the studentsthe desired concepts or skills. This category of performance metrics caninclude tabulations from subjective surveys of students regarding arecently-completed course (e.g., containing questions such as “Did thisclass provide the right detail and level of information for you?” or“Were the examples presented in this course relevant to yourbusiness/marketplace?”) as well as objective measures of learningperformance (such as test results immediately following the course, orthird party employee certification results).

[0052] Learning-impact metrics are objective and subjective measures ofperformance of the learning solution and its individual learning effortswhich capture and reflect the transfer of knowledge from the trainingreceived to appropriate uses in the trained employees' work environmentsand, preferably, ultimately to the organization's overall benefit andreturn on its learning investments. Learning-impact metrics that aredesigned to measure the transfer of knowledge to the work environment,for example, can include measures in the decrease in specific workplaceaccidents following a learning effort focusing on safety training, andmeasures regarding the change in production speed and quality in theoutput of a manufacturing facility following training regarding moreefficient techniques. Concurrently, learning-impact metrics that capturethe return on learning investment can, for example, measure the changein gross sales generated per each salesperson employee following thecompletion of a learning effort which taught ways to competitivelydistinguish the organization's products over competitors' products.

[0053] In preferred embodiments of the present invention the learningsolution is provided by an independent business entity according to aservice level agreement with an organization in need of learningservices outsourcing. A service level agreement is a contract betweenthe learning solution services provider and the licensing (i.e.,outsourcing) organization. This contract establishes the requisitequality and effectiveness levels of the learning solution services asmeasured by one or more pre-selected measurable performance metrics.

[0054] The terms of a service level agreement may require, for example,minimum-learning output metrics values relating to increases in studentenrollment and course hours, minimum learning-performance metricsrelating to employee certifications, and minimum learning-impact metricincreases regarding gross sales generated by each trained salesperson.Such an outsourced learning solution utilizes the decision support toolsand related methods according to the present invention to track andgenerate reports regarding pre-selected performance metrics to theoutsourcing organization on a continuous basis to facilitate costallocation among appropriate business units or to specific learningefforts (equivalently, “training efforts”). The metrics and reports maythen be used within-the learning solution to gauge the level ofeffectiveness of particular learning efforts in helping the organizationreach desired business objectives and thus refine future learningefforts or refine resource usage policies to ensure continued and/orfuture compliance with the terms of an applicable service levelagreement.

[0055] For example, such metrics can be adapted to the management of alarge, complex learning solution to facilitate cost management andresource optimization in an effort to further the learner organization'sbusiness objectives and strategies. Specifically, such learning solutionmanagement can include overall learning budget management and theselection and management of learning efforts across a portfolio ofprojects. If, for example, a business unit of the learner organizationbudgets $10M to spend on training, an outsourced learning serviceprovider's job would be to optimize these dollars across trainingdelivery methodologies and competing learning needs. Since not alldelivery methodologies cost the same, and since learning needs vary incomplexity, it would be an outsourced learning services provider's roleto identify an affective set of learning efforts using the best mix ofdelivery methodologies to optimize learning solution performance withinthe allocated budget. Embodiments of the present invention facilitatelearning solutions portfolio management in a manner that makescomprehensive outsourced learning solutions viable for complex and/orlarge-scale learner organizations.

[0056]FIG. 3a graphically depicts the responsibilities and interactionsof various modules of a learning solution 300 that contains organizedmodules designed to accomplish specific competencies. As depicted in theexample of FIG. 3a, the business strategy alignment module 310 isresponsible for devising a performance strategy for the learningorganization based on the larger corporate objectives, while the contentmanagement module 320 is responsible for assembling and maintaining thelearning curriculum in accordance with the strategy. A delivery module330 is also present and responsible for actually providing the learningcurriculum to the target students. Understandably, information anddecisions from one module must be passed along to other modules toensure that learning objective are executed in accordance with alignedobjectives. Changes in strategy must also be communicated separately asthey arise. Thus, it is necessary for modules 310, 320 and 330, andpersons performing activities associated with those modules, to be ableto interact and share information.

[0057]FIG. 3b represents a learning solution 300′ for a learningorganization synchronized according to the present invention. As shownby the recurring presence of modules 310, 320 and 330, the solution 300′addresses the same competencies shown in the comparatively lessefficient learning solution 300 of FIG. 3a. However, the learningsolution 300′ incorporates a decision support tool 340 and relatedprocesses according to preferred embodiments of the invention tooptimize training efforts and resources to allow interactive informationsharing. The representative training modules include the primary modulesmentioned in the above discussion of learning solution 300, a businessstrategy alignment module 310, a content management module 320, adelivery module 330, all in interaction with a decision support tool 340(other modules, such as a learning administration module, can be adaptedas detailed above). The decision support tool 340 serves as a commongateway to various repositories of information generated and/or neededby each module that learning administrators can for example, use toforecast costs, budget, plan performance, report performance, manageaccounts, manage production, configure media, manage limited resourceusage, coordinate learning delivery, and analyze training needs. Byproviding common access to information across each module the datarequired for decision within each module is available in real timewithout communication, gaps between learning organization modules. Thisstructure increases the accessibility of key information and eliminatesthe redundancy and inconsistencies inherent in typical contemporarylearning solutions.

[0058] The operation of the modules of synchronized learning solution300′ may be facilitated by various information-sharing tools provided bya computing network. FIG. 4 schematically depicts a network 400 oflearning platforms that communicate to provide coordination andsynchronization of learning content development, delivery and managementso as to enhance the learning solution's response time to organization,instructor, student, and/or resource concerns and issues. The learningplatform network 400 according to such embodiments integrates variouselectronic tools to provide the information sharing capabilities neededby a learning solution services provider to implement and managelearning efforts efficiently according to the business desires of acomplex learner organization. As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred learningplatform network 400 comprises a content development platform 410, aresources synchronization platform 420, an electronic delivery platform430, and a learning administration platform 440 all communicatingelectronically with one another. Each of the platforms that comprise thenetwork 400 are composed of suitable servers, storage devices (includingdatabases), memory devices and support hardware as is known in the artof computer networks to achieve the functions of each platform asdescribed herein.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the network 400 also interfaces with varioususers (including learning solution administrators) to facilitate thedissemination of learning resource allocation information, on anas-requested basis, and thereby enable informed decision makingregarding the utilization of various learning resources (personnel,electronic, physical, etc.). The resources synchronization platform 420of the learning solution network 400, which may support a decisionsupport tool according to the present invention as described above,collects and tracks resource availability information regardingdeliverable learning content, and delivery resources (classrooms,virtual classroom technology, target learner participation windows,instructor schedules) and organizes this information into sortablescheduling and usage reports that allow learning administrators to makeand/or modify schedules and resource allocations for learning contentdelivery.

[0060] The resources synchronization platform 420 of the learningsolution network 400 also provides a means whereby importantlearning-output metrics are monitored through real-time access tocritical information (such as by receiving information from electronicdelivery platform 430 regarding student attendance at virtual classroomsand storing that information within the resources synchronizationplatform 420). The reports provided through the interface with theresources synchronization platform 420 thereby provides administratorswith up to date resource allocation data presented in a logical,intuitive and valuable manner that promotes efficient learning contentdelivery and utilization of constrained learning solution resources. Asresource allocations are modified by administrators after viewingappropriate reports, these allocations are stored and reflected infuture allocation reports until delivery is completed or until furtherallocation modifications are made.

[0061] Optionally, the resources synchronization platform 420 furtherprovides a means whereby learning-performance and learning impactmetrics are compiled and tracked. Preferably, these metrics arecollected in real-time from various portions of network 400 (such astest score information collected by the electronic delivery platform 430or manually entered by instructors and stored in the learningadministration platform 440, or learning impact metrics data entered bylearning administrators via the learning administration platform 440).The resources synchronization platform 420 similarly provides variousreports of these performance metrics to assist administrators inperforming various processes of the business management module asdescribed herein, including the reconsideration and revision of businessstrategies and priorities, associated learning budget allocations, andservice level agreements.

[0062] In use, learning solution network 400 facilitates the variousprocesses as described above that embody learning solutions according tothe present invention. By way of illustration, once a new developmentwork plan calling for new or modified computer-deliverable self-pacedinstruction content has been sufficiently finalized in response to alearning effort proposal, content developers can author electroniclearning content objects using the tools and resources of contentdevelopment platform 410. Electronic learning information andin-development learning content objects are stored in a developingcontent database 410 a until they are ready (i.e., compiled, formatted,versioned, tagged and cataloged) for electronic delivery to students.The status of any completed content objects is then electronicallycommunicated to the resources synchronization platform 420 while thoseobjects are readied for appropriate storage and subsequent delivery.

[0063] Resources synchronization platform 420 tracks the introduction ofnew or modified learning content from the content development platform.410 as that content is stored in a content warehouse database 420 a(along with pre-existing content objects) according to appropriate tagsand catalog identifiers assigned by the content development platform410. These tags and identifiers allow the network to locate and identifycontent objects relating to particular courses and deliver theappropriate objects upon subsequent demands initiated via the electronicdelivery platform 430.

[0064] On an ongoing basis, the resources synchronization platform 420,as may be accessed via a user interface of the decision support tool,simultaneously provides an interface for learning administrators toreview the current allocation of learning resources (as detailed in aresource schedule database 420 b) through customized scheduling andusage reports, and then use these reports for making resource allocationdecisions (using a graphical interface of a scheduling tool provided bythe resources synchronization platform. 420).as appropriate based uponsystem constraints, current allocations, demands by learning efforts forlearning solution resources, and the relative priorities of thesecompeting demands for resources. Any resource allocation decisions madein this manner are appropriately reflected in the resource scheduledatabase 420 b. The allocation data stored in the resource scheduledatabase 420 b, and thus the reports provided by the resourcessynchronization platform 420, can include the current allocations andavailabilities of resources used by all learning efforts of the learningsolution 200. In this manner, decision making regarding the scheduleddelivery of learning content (both electronic and otherwise) can besynchronized across an entire organization in a proactive manner toavoid schedule conflicts and inefficient usage of finite learningresources.

[0065] Simultaneously, the resources synchronization platform 420preferably provides means for accessing correlated performance metricsdata that is automatically collected or manually inputted across theentire platform and stored for purposes of enabling the businessmanagement of the learning solution. These performance metrics, caninclude learning-output performance metrics (such as may be, forexample, automatically tracked by the resources synchronization platform420 or electronic delivery platform 430 or inputted manually byinstructors into the learning administration platform 440),learning-performance metrics (such as may be, for example, automaticallytracked by the electronic delivery platform 430 or inputted manually byinstructors into the learning administration platform 440), orlearning-impact metrics (such as may be, for example, tracked andinputted manually by a learning solution administrator directly into theperformance metrics database 420 c). A performance metrics tracking andreporting capability provided by the decision support tool of theresources synchronization administration platform 420 provideselectronic access for learning administrators to the performance metricsdatabase 420 c and thereby enables them to generate up-to-date reportsregarding performance metrics they select at any time and for any timeperiod. In this manner, the performance metrics data that enables thelearning solution to be run like a business (or business unit) can becentrally collected and more easily utilized, which may be useful, forexample, where minimum performance levels are dictated in a servicelevel agreement or where learning costs must be allocated among variouslearning efforts and associate business units. Understandably, reportsdetailing such performance metrics data can be used by the businessstrategy alignment module 110 as described above to assemble, reassessand revise learning blueprints, learning solution budgets and overallstrategies and priorities as necessary.

[0066] Electronic delivery platform 430, as shown in FIG. 4, contains adelivery management database 430 a and a delivery results database 430b. The delivery management database 430 a contains catalog and learneraccess information relating to courses and related learning content soas to control access by various target learners (i.e., employees) toappropriately authorized learning content. Data regarding target learneruser participation (or, alternatively, “attendance”) and training scoresin any synchronous or asynchronous electronically-delivered learningcontent is logged in the delivery results database 430 b. Theinformation of the delivery results database 430 b is electronicallyaccessible via the resources synchronization platform 420 by learningsolution administrators to facilitate compiling and tracking learningeffort progress and results and to generate and report performancemetrics as required by any service level agreements as described herein.

[0067] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed herein and in the attached appendices, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art such embodiments are provided by way of exampleonly. Numerous insubstantial variations, changes, and substitutions willnow be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thescope of the invention disclosed herein by the Applicants. Accordingly,it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit andscope by the claims as appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A synchronized learning solution network adaptedto facilitate information sharing among a learning services providingentity, said network comprising: a content development platform, saidcontent development platform containing electronic tools for receivinginput relating to the compiling of instructional materials andgenerating electronic learning content; an electronic delivery platform,said electronic delivery platform containing electronic tools fordelivering instruction to students, said delivered instructionincorporating said electronic learning content; a learningadministration platform, said learning administration platformcontaining electronic tools for storing said electronic learningcontent, storing registrar information regarding said students and saidinstruction, and storing catalog information regarding said learningcontent; and a resources synchronization platform, said resourcessynchronization platform including a resources synchronization tooladapted to obtain and store data regarding compilation and generationfunctions as performed by said content development platform, dataregarding delivery functions as performed by said delivery platform, andsaid registrar information and said catalog information from saidlearning administration platform; wherein said resources synchronizationtool provides an interface for accessing and processing said storedcompilation data, generation data, delivery data, registrar informationand catalog information upon request, said synchronization toolprocessing said accessible data and information into resourceutilization reports on demand such that said reports may be utilized tomake resource allocation decisions across said learning servicesproviding entity.
 2. The synchronized learning solution networkaccording to claim 1, wherein said electronic delivery platform isadapted to record performance metrics during delivery of saidinstruction and wherein said content development platform is adapted torecord performance metrics during compilation of instructional materialsand generation of electronic learning content, and wherein saidperformance metrics are said compilation data, generation data anddelivery data.
 3. The synchronized learning solution network accordingto claim 2, wherein said resources synchronization tool comprises adecision support tool adapted to compile and output reports detailingperformance metrics data, said data measuring the development oflearning content and the delivery of instruction to said students, saidperformance metrics data being useful to assessing whether learningrequirements of a learner organization are being met.
 4. Thesynchronized learning solution network according to claim 3, whereinsaid performance metrics data is collected electronically from saidcontent development platform, said electronic delivery platform, andsaid learning administration platform and stored in a metrics databasein substantially real time.
 5. The synchronized learning solutionnetwork according to claim 2, wherein said development data comprisesvarious performance metrics electronically collected by said contentdevelopment platform, said performance metrics including developmentratios that measure production of course content and materials in lightof expended costs and man-hours over elapsed time periods.
 6. Thesynchronized learning solution network according to claim 2, whereinsaid electronic delivery platform is adapted to record performancemetrics data during delivery of instruction, said performance metricsdata being accessible by said resources synchronization tool insubstantially real time.
 7. The synchronized learning solution networkaccording to claim 1, wherein said resources synchronization toolfurther provides an electronic interface for allocating the utilizationof constrained learning resources subject to relevant instructor andstudent availabilities.
 8. The synchronized learning solution networkaccording to claim 1, wherein said resources synchronization tool isadapted to organize allocation and scheduling information into sortablescheduling and usage reports that allow learning administrators to makeand/or modify schedules and resource allocations for learning contentdelivery.
 9. The synchronized learning solution network according toclaim 1, wherein said reports may support learning solution processesselected from the group consisting of forecasting, budgeting,performance planning, performance reporting, account management,production management, media configuration, delivery coordination, andneeds analysis.
 10. The synchronized learning solution network accordingto claim 9, wherein said learning solution is outsourced from a learnerorganization to said learning services providing entity according to alearning services agreement, said agreement detailing minimum servicelevels that must be met by said providing entity, and whereinperformance metrics are collected from said content developmentplatform, said electronic delivery platform, said learningadministration platform and made accessible by said resourcessynchronization tool to gauge whether said learning solution isproducing learning efforts meeting said minimum service levels.
 11. Thesynchronized learning solution network according to claim 10, whereinidentified business goals and strategies of said learner organizationare used to define performance metrics reflected in said learningservices agreement.
 12. The synchronized learning solution networkaccording to claim 11, wherein said performance metrics comprise adevelopment ratio that tracks production of course content and materialsin light of expended costs and man-hours and elapsed time.
 13. Thesynchronized learning solution network according to claim 12, whereinlearning costs are recorded, allocated and billed to appropriatebusiness units or projects for learning effort expenditures such thatsaid learning solution can be implemented independently by said learningservices provider like a separate business entity from the learnerorganization.
 14. The synchronized learning solution according to claim10, wherein said learning services agreement establishes a cost schedulethat provides a pre-set standard set of charges for tasks performedduring said developing of said course content and materials, and whereinsaid reports of said performance metrics are utilized to make costallocations, revise said cost schedule and manage quality of processingused in developing said course content and materials.
 15. A decisionsupport and work management tool adapted to synchronize aspects of alearning solution, said resource support too comprising: electroniccommunication connections to various tools and platforms utilized bysaid learning solution to support content development, instructiondelivery, and learning solution administration; said communicationconnections adapted to receive performance metrics data collected fromsaid aspects of said learning solution; databases adapted to store saidperformance metrics data as it is received; a resource allocationinterface adapted to provide learning administrators with access to saidstored performance metrics data, said interface providing functionalityto compile said performance metrics data into sortable learning solutionresource scheduling and usage reports, said resource allocationinterface also providing functionality for learning administrators tomake or modify schedules and resource allocations for learning contentdelivery and development, wherein said scheduling and usage reportsassist said learning administrators in making centralized and informeddecisions regarding said schedules and resource allocations.
 16. Thedecision support and work management tool according to claim 15, whereinsaid databases include a content library database for storinginstructional materials and learning content data, a raw metricsdatabase for storing performance metrics data, a resource schedulingdatabase for storing schedules and resource allocations data, and asummary reporting database for storing data regarding compiledscheduling and usage reports.
 17. The decision support and workmanagement tool according to claim 15, wherein said learning solution isoutsourced by a learner organization to a learning services provideaccording to a learning services agreement, said agreement detailingminimum service levels, and wherein said performance metrics and reportsof said tool may be utilized to determine whether said method isproducing learning efforts meeting said service levels.
 18. The decisionsupport and work management tool according to claim 15, wherein saidelectronic communication connections are adapted to obtain instructiondelivery data electronically from an electronic delivery platform. 19.The decision support and work management tool according to claim 18,wherein said electronic delivery platform is adapted to recordperformance metrics during delivery of instruction to target learners,said performance metrics being stored in said databases for accessing bysaid resources allocation interface.
 20. The decision support and workmanagement tool according to claim 15, wherein said electroniccommunication connections are adapted to obtain content development dataelectronically from a content development platform.
 21. The decisionsupport and work management tool according to claim 20, wherein saidcontent development platform is adapted to record performance metricsduring compilation of instructional materials and generation ofelectronic learning content, said performance metrics being stored insaid databases for accessing by said resources allocation interface. 22.The decision support and work management tool according to claim 21,wherein said performance metrics electronically collected by saidcontent development platform include development ratios that measureproduction of course content and materials in light of expended costsand man-hours over elapsed time periods.
 23. The decision support andwork management tool according to claim 15, wherein said electroniccommunication connections are adapted to obtain learning solutionadministration data electronically from a learning administrationplatform.
 24. The decision support and work management tool according toclaim 15, wherein said resources allocation interface provides enables alearning administrator to make decisions regarding utilization ofconstrained learning resources across multiple learning efforts subjectto relevant instructor and student availabilities.
 25. The decisionsupport and work management tool according to claim 15, whereinperformance metrics data is collected electronically from a contentdevelopment platform, an electronic delivery platform, and a learningadministration platform through said electronic communicationconnections and stored in said database in substantially real time. 26.The decision support and work management tool according to claim 15,wherein said learning solution is outsourced from a learner organizationto said learning services providing entity according to a learningservices agreement, said agreement detailing minimum service levels thatmust be met by said providing entity, and wherein said performancemetrics are made accessible by said resources allocation tool to gaugewhether said learning solution is producing learning efforts meetingsaid minimum service levels.
 27. The decision support and workmanagement tool according to claim 26, wherein identified business goalsand strategies of said learner organization are used to defineperformance metrics reflected in said learning services agreement. 28.The decision support and work management tool according to claim 26,wherein said performance metrics comprise a development ratio thattracks production of course content and materials in light of expendedcosts and man-hours and elapsed time.
 29. The decision support and workmanagement tool according to claim 26, wherein learning costs arerecorded, allocated and billed to appropriate business units or projectsfor learning effort expenditures such that said learning solution can beimplemented independently by said learning services providing entitylike a separate business entity from the learner organization.
 30. Thedecision support and work management tool according to claim 26, whereinsaid learning services agreement establishes a cost schedule thatprovides a pre-set standard set of charges for tasks performed duringsaid developing of said course content and materials, and wherein saidreports of said performance metrics are utilized to make costallocations, revise said cost schedule and manage quality of processingused in developing said course content and materials.